Hip Hop Mourns the Death of Screenwriter Barry Michael Cooper

The world of Hip Hop is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures, screenwriter and journalist Barry Michael Cooper, who passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2025, at the age of 66. While the cause of death has not yet been revealed, the news was confirmed by fellow writer Nelson George, who shared the tragic announcement on Substack.

Cooper’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the development of Hip Hop culture, particularly through his work as a screenwriter. He is best known for his groundbreaking contributions to the genre through the creation of iconic films such as New Jack City, Sugar Hill, and Above the Rim. His writing, which captured the raw and often gritty realities of urban life, made a lasting impact on both cinema and music.

A Legacy in Hip Hop Cinema

Cooper’s films remain cornerstones of Hip Hop cinema, with New Jack City in particular standing as a landmark achievement. Released in 1991, New Jack City was not just a film—it was a cultural event. The story of Nino Brown, a ruthless drug lord played by Wesley Snipes, struck a chord with audiences and has since become a key reference point for Hip Hop artists across generations. New Jack City has been mentioned by some of the biggest names in rap, from Nas and The Notorious B.I.G. to Lil Wayne and Kanye West, solidifying its place in the genre’s history.

Sugar Hill, another of Cooper’s influential works, explored the world of Harlem’s underworld and earned praise for its portrayal of the struggles within the drug trade. Above the Rim, released in 1994, is another essential film in Cooper’s Harlem trilogy, blending basketball with themes of loyalty, ambition, and survival. The film also featured performances from Hip Hop legends like 2Pac, bringing music and film together in a way that resonated deeply with urban audiences.

Cooper’s films also featured notable appearances from Hip Hop artists like Ice-T and Flavor Flav, further cementing his connection to the culture. His work became a touchstone for a generation of artists and filmmakers, influencing how Hip Hop was represented in film and the media.

Coining the Term “New Jack Swing”

Beyond his work as a screenwriter, Cooper’s contributions to Hip Hop culture extended into the realm of music. He is credited with inventing the term “New Jack Swing,” a genre-defining blend of R&B and hip hop that dominated the late ’80s and early ’90s. Cooper first coined the term in a 1987 article for The Village Voice, where he wrote about Harlem’s Teddy Riley, the genius behind the fusion of hip hop beats with smooth R&B vocals.

The impact of this movement cannot be overstated. New Jack Swing was a major force in the music industry, influencing artists like Bobby Brown, Guy, and Janet Jackson, and shaping the sound of modern R&B and Hip Hop. Cooper’s contribution to naming and defining the genre has left a lasting mark on music history.

Tributes Pour In

News of Cooper’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from within the Hip Hop community. Fellow journalist and screenwriter Cheo Hodari Coker shared a heartfelt message on social media, calling Cooper a hero and a good friend. He added, “I hope George Jackson and Gary Harris were right at the gates waiting for you,” referencing characters from New Jack City.

Veteran A&R Jeff Sledge also paid tribute, recalling Cooper as a “Harlem legend” and acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping Hip Hop cinema. Sledge praised Cooper’s Harlem trilogy of films, calling them “beyond influential in terms of Hip Hop cinema,” and highlighting how they “changed the game” for both film and music.

Record executive Dante Ross also spoke to Cooper’s lasting impact on the genre, noting that Cooper’s films “literally changed the game” for Hip Hop cinema. He also credited Cooper with coining the term “New Jack Swing,” a phrase that has since become synonymous with an entire era of music.

Former Hot 97 personality Miss Info shared a photo of Cooper’s 1980s Village Voice article in which he first introduced the term “New Jack Swing.” The article marked a key moment in the history of R&B and Hip Hop, and Miss Info’s post served as a reminder of the far-reaching influence Cooper had on both the music industry and pop culture.

Cooper’s Enduring Impact

Barry Michael Cooper’s legacy will forever be tied to the cultural movements he helped shape. From his groundbreaking films to his pivotal role in defining the New Jack Swing movement, his influence on Hip Hop is immeasurable. His Harlem trilogy of films—New Jack City, Sugar Hill, and Above the Rim—remain timeless classics that continue to inspire artists and filmmakers to this day.

In addition to his work in film and music, Cooper was also a journalist whose contributions to Hip Hop culture were vital in helping shape the narrative around the genre in its formative years. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will live on through the stories he told, the terms he coined, and the art he created.

As the Hip Hop community continues to mourn, Barry Michael Cooper’s contributions will never be forgotten. His impact on the culture is indelible, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in peace, Barry Michael Cooper.